Avid Technology announced the next generation of its Pinnacle PCTV HD Stick, and Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick.

The last product already is the best selling TV tuner for PCs in the United States, according to NDP research.

These new Pinnacle PCTV HD sticks now support encrypted digital cable channels and include a next generation tuner with more sensitive reception of both analog and digital TV signals.

The Pro version can do the same with FM radio.

With the size of a flash drive the new Pinnacle PCTV HD sticks provide users with resolutions of up to 1080i.

You simply plug the stick into an available USB port.

The ClearQAM support allows cable TV subscribers to watch their favorite over-the-air digital channels with optimal quality by connecting the digital cable to their PC.

Both sticks are good choices for laptop users, travelers and students that want to experience HD-quality TV on the go without having to pay the expensive service fees.

“With the February 17th, 2009 shut down of analog television approaching, users are considering cost-effective alternatives to paying for cable and satellite TV or buying a new HDTV,” said Tanguy Leborgne, Pinnacle Systems Vice President of Worldwide Marketing.

At only $99 the new PCTV HD Pro stick can provide you with HD-quality TV and can be used as a Personal Video Recorder (PVR).

Pinnacle website: pinnaclesys.com.